Virginia Military Institute Institute Report Volume 49, Number 8, June 2021 ‘Challenge Yourself Personally and Professionally’ Nearly 350 Cadets Graduate in Outdoor Ceremony
By Mary Price
Gen. Gustave “Gus” Perna, a U.S. Army offered life lessons for graduating cadets graduation on the Parade Ground was four-star general who served as chief op- in commencement exercises held Sunday, common in the 19th century, this year’s erating officer for Operation Warp Speed, May 16, in Foster Stadium. event was VMI’s first outdoor gradua- a public-private partnership to facilitate Just under 350 cadets received degrees tion in decades. A sprinkling rain fell and accelerate the development and in VMI’s first in-person graduation distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations, ceremony since December 2019. While See Graduation, page 8
A socially distanced crowd attends the commencement ceremony in Foster Stadium May 16.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. Love Named Chief Diversity Officer at VMI
By Maj. Michelle Ellwood
After nearly two decades of experience in student engage- was created with representatives from Institute leadership and ment, behavioral intervention, and accountability in higher the Board of Visitors, along with faculty and staff from a wide education, Dr. Jamica N. Love has been named the chief diversity variety of areas across post. officer at VMI. “She stood out and will be the right person at the right time,” She was chosen from a competitive pool of candidates in a said Michael Hamlar, a member of the VMI Board of Visitors national hiring search. The decision to create a permanent chief and also a member of the search committee. “It’s an honor to diversity officer position was made by the VMI Board of Visitors in late October 2020. Following that decision, a search committee See Love, page 24 Recent Graduate to Teach in France
By Mary Price
“It’s been quite a journey, but I’m very happy with where I am of time to explore a new country. Sadly, the coronavirus pandemic now. I never imagined these kinds of opportunities when I was brought his study abroad experience to an early halt, as it did for coming in.” thousands of students around the globe. That’s what Noah Lawing ’21 had to say about the course of Less than a year later, Lawing found himself applying to TAPIF. his cadetship, which has involved a change of major, a change of He’d learned about the program from Carrico, who participated in heart about commissioning, and now, an accepted invitation to the program herself as a graduate student in 2009, working with ele- participate in the Teaching mentary schoolers at three Assistant Program in France schools south of Paris. (TAPIF). This program, which “This program usually is sponsored by the French attracts French majors government, recruits approxi- from colleges,” she noted. mately 1,500 American citizens “It’s often people who want and permanent residents to work on their French, each year to teach English in have a cross-cultural French public schools, not exchange, and also want only in France itself but also in to see, ‘Hey, is teaching French-speaking countries. for me?’” For Lawing, who matric- That’s exactly the appeal ulated as a chemistry major, for Lawing, who is now teaching overseas was the leaning toward graduate farthest possibility from his study and possibly earning mind during his rat year. He’d a doctorate in French. had four years of French in “I think the main reason high school, but he didn’t sign I wanted to do this pro- up for language classes imme- gram is so I can get some diately upon matriculation. experience teaching before He’d planned to commission I decide if I want to go to in the Navy and thought that a graduate school,” he stated. STEM major would make him Lawing has yet to receive more appealing to that branch Noah Lawing ’21 his official school assign- of the service. ment, but he’s requested to By the end of the first semester of his 3rd Class year, though, be placed in a small to medium-sized city near Toulouse, which is in Lawing could see that his plan wasn’t working. His grades were low, the southern part of France north of Spain. It’s a city he visited while and the Navy didn’t seem as appealing. He then switched his major he was in France last year, and one that he remembers fondly. to modern languages and cultures (French) and tested his way to Another attraction is the traditional language of the region, placement in a 300-level class. Occitan, which is a Romance language that’s considered endan- Right away, Lawing felt at home in the department, and he gered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural quickly developed a rapport with Lt. Col. Jeff Kendrick and Lt. Col. Organization (UNESCO) Red Book of Endangered Languages. Abbey Carrico, both associate professors of modern languages “I’m just fascinated by it. I like old languages,” said Lawing, who and cultures. added that he might study Occitan in graduate school. “They both care so much about education and about their stu- Lawing has learned a few things about studying a language— dents,” said Lawing. “They’re the best professors that I could have among them, that just going to class and doing the assigned work asked for.” aren’t enough if one wants to become truly proficient. The professors, meanwhile, return the admiration. For Kendrick, “I’ve done a lot to immerse myself… in French, even before I there’s enjoyment in having an independent learner such as Lawing went to France,” he stated. In his spare time, Lawing likes to read in his classes. books in French, and also watch French TV shows and movies. “It’s a lot of fun to teach a student like that because they’re always He’s also dipped his toes into teaching by facilitating the Miller challenging you,” he said. Academic Center’s group study session for cadets in lower-level “His French is already at a very good level,” said Carrico. “This French courses. [experience] will help build his confidence speaking it.” Thinking over his cadetship, Lawing is surprised and pleased at In the spring of 2020, Lawing studied abroad in Aix-en-Provence, the direction he’s taken, especially as he contemplates following his an ancient city in southern France. “It was the time of my life,” he mentors into the teaching profession. “It’s not something I’d ever recalled, with fellow students from around the world and plenty expected out of myself, but now I’m kind of thinking about it.”
2 VMI Institute Report Institute Report Cadets Attend BEYA Conference Volume 49, Number 8, June 2021 By Mary Price
The Institute Report, VMI’s monthly newsletter, Earlier this semester, 10 cadets attended the BEYA STEM conference, which was held publishes eight issues during each academic virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. BEYA, which stands for Black Engineer of the year. Inquiries, suggestions, news items, Year Award, is an organization dedicated to helping minorities pursue careers in the STEM and address changes should be directed to fields. VMI has been sending cadets to the BEYA conference since 2014, with the goal of help- Editor, Institute Report, VMI Communications ing them find internships and employment opportunities. and Marketing, Lexington, VA 24450‑0304; “The cadets who attended BEYA virtually were able to go to talks from people in indus- (540) 464‑7207; or [email protected]. try—technology, communications, computer science, health care, etc.—from large cor- © 2021 Virginia Military Institute. porations including Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Walmart, Raytheon, etc.,” said Col. Troy Siemers, professor of applied mathematics, who organized this year’s cadet group. Director Col. Bill Wyatt Jordan Ward ’21, a mechanical engineering major and a member of the Honor Court, Editor Maj. Michelle Ellwood attended the BEYA conference for three consecutive years, including this year. “I got my Assistant Editor Kelly Nye summer internship out of it [last year], and that was just from me showing up and present- ing myself,” said Ward, who plans to pursue graduate study after VMI. Ward’s internship Designer Robbin Youngblood was with Raytheon Technologies in Northern Virginia. “It was a little different because of Institute Report Staff COVID—some days in the office, some days working from home—but I was still able to get a H. Lockwood McLaughlin full experience out of it,” he said. Eric Moore Siemers noted that the cadets also showed up in numbers at the Stars & Stripes event, Mary Price which spotlights high-ranking African-American officers in all branches of the mili- Header photo on page 1 by tary. Three years ago, Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, was selected as the H. Lockwood McLaughlin Army recipient of the Stars and Stripes Award at the BEYA STEM Conference. That same year, retired Air Force Col. Timothy K. Bridges ’79 won the BEYA Career Achievement in Government Award. The Virginia Military Institute is committed to pro- viding an environment that emphasizes the dignity “Cadets should attend [BEYA] primarily because this organization specializes in working and worth of every member of its community and with companies who are specifically recruiting STEM talent,” said retired Army Maj. E. that is free from harassment and discrimination based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, Sean Lanier ’94, a member of the VMI Board of Visitors who has been involved with BEYA age, veteran status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, against otherwise qualified for many years. “The majority of these companies do not recruit on campus at VMI, so it’s an persons with disabilities, or based on any other opportunity for cadets to earn internships and post-graduation employment opportunities status protected by law. In pursuit of this goal, any question of impermissible discrimination on these in cutting-edge companies.” bases will be addressed with efficiency and energy and in accordance with VMI General Order 16. In addition to Ward, cadets attending the BEYA STEM conference this year were Alan General Order 90 addresses complaints or reports Wyche ’21, Rafael Mas ’22, Mariah Woods ’22, Xavier Frederick ’23, Solomon Harris ’23, of retaliation against those who have opposed practices prohibited by General Order 16, those Dontray Brown ’24, Brian Jackson ’24, Martin Parnell ’24 and Mark Shelton ’24. who have filed complaints or reports of prohibited practices, and those who have testified or other- wise participated in enforcement of General Order 16. Questions regarding discrimination prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, or other federal law, may be referred to the VMI Inspector General and Title IX Coordinator, 212 Carroll Hall, VMI, Lexington, VA 24450, Retirement (540) 464-7072. Any cadet or prospective cadet having questions about disability services for Parade students should contact the Director of the Center for Cadet Counseling and Disability Services, 448 Col. Timothy Institute Hill, 2nd floor, Post Infirmary, Lexington, Hodges ’80, Col. Va. 24450, (540) 464-7667. For employment-re- D.T. “Todd” Smith lated disability services, contact the Americans ’85, Gary Levenson with Disabilities Act Coordinator in the VMI ’80, and Col. Craig Human Resources Office, Lexington, VA 24450, (540) 464-7322. Streeter ’91 take review of the Corps of Cadets with VMI superintendent Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85. The retirees were honored at a retirement parade on April 16 for their many years of service to the Institute.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye.
3 ROTC Commissionees Stress Challenges, Growth
By Mary Price
Under blue skies in Foster Stadium, more than 180 young men Group. This year, he served as president of the Officer of the Guard and women, most of them VMI cadets, commissioned into the armed Association, an organization dedicated to resolving disputes among services May 15 in the annual ROTC Joint Commissioning Ceremony. cadets and enforcing VMI’s anti-hazing policies. It’s a big job any The ceremony was also livestreamed for family and friends who year, but an especially big one this year as cadets spent more time in could not attend the event in person. their rooms due to COVID-19. Every commissionee has a story and a unique path. Many have “It’s been a lot of personnel management and learning how to keep dreamed of military service since childhood, but some discovered a team motivated, especially for a whole year of lockdown.” that calling later in life. What unites them is a desire to serve and In contrast, Air Force 2nd Lt. Jackson Jennings ’21 didn’t know VMI give back. existed until he was a junior in high school. What’s more, the branch Air Force 2nd Lt. Will Nicholson ’21 followed his brother, 2nd Lt. of the service he’ll eventually join, the U.S. Space Force, didn’t exist Tom Nicholson ’19, to VMI. “Seeing him come home—he stood up a until December 2019, when Jennings was a 2nd Class cadet. little taller, talked a little bit different, a little bit more spring in his Originally, Jennings wanted to follow his father into the U.S. Air step—it did a lot Force, and he’d of good for him,” hoped to become said Nicholson. a pilot. When “He spoke very that didn’t work highly of it, so I out, he applied decided to follow for the Space him here.” Force instead. Like his broth- Jennings said er, the younger he was “pret- Nicholson knew ty surprised” he wanted a mili- when news of tary career—ide- his acceptance ally, one modeled came through. on that of their “I’m happy it all father, who served worked out like in the U.S. Air this,” the electri- Force for 27 years. cal and computer When he was engineering ma- very young, Will jor commented. Nicholson had His first as- thought of be- signment will be coming an Army in Los Angeles,
Ranger like his Lt. Gen. Leslie C. Smith administers the U.S. Army oath to cadets during a joint commissioning ceremony in working on space grandfather. Then Foster Stadium May 15.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. and missile sys- one day his father tem development. took him to an air show. “It just puts that rumble in your chest, and it “I’ll be working hand-in-hand with people at SpaceX and people just kind of stays there,” recalled Nicholson, who earned his private at NASA,” he stated. “They’ll be working on projects, and I’ll be pilot’s license when he was a sophomore in high school. communicating with them.” Now, he’s graduated with a major in electrical and computer engi- It’s also a field in which the next big challenge is very like- neering and commissioned into the Air Force, where he’s secured a ly extraterrestrial. pilot slot. The next step will be pilot training at Sheppard Air Force “It’s so unknown the opportunities that are going to come up in Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he’ll take part in the Euro-NATO the next 10, 20 years. … With SpaceX ramping up their spaceships Joint Jet Pilot Training program. going into space, and all of these other companies coming in, it’s Nicholson said he’s looking forward to many things about being only a matter of time before we go to Mars, start going to the moon in the service, among them the sense of community and the chance again,” said Jennings. to travel. Plus, doing something he already loves to do will be an But achievements like that won’t come without setback after essential part of the job. setback, perhaps with a dose of catastrophic failure along the way. “There’s very few jobs that let you fly for free,” he said. Luckily, VMI has taught Jennings a valuable lesson in how to react Over the course of his cadetship, Nicholson was involved when things don’t go as planned. with many activities, among them Rat Challenge, the Cadet Superintendent’s Advisory Board, and the Cadet Investment Continued on next page
4 VMI Institute Report “My big takeaway from VMI was that life’s going to suck,” he stated. “It’s going to throw you under the bus. … And I’ve learned there’s two options: quit or go to work. If you go to work, once you’ve faced that adversity, you’re ready for the next one, and the next one. Soon, adversity is like second nature to you. It doesn’t even faze you.” Austerity and the challenges of adversity also attracted Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Vincenzo Ferrari to VMI. He visited the Institute as a high schooler, and right away, he knew VMI was his top choice. “It’s the austere conditions,” he comment- ed. “They’re not trying to tell you you’ll be all right here. They’re telling you need to be ready when you show up.” Because he’d enjoyed physics in high school, Ferrari chose to major in that subject at VMI.
“Physics allowed me the option to take Second Lt. Jackson Jennings ’21 and 2nd Lt. Marilyn Cardenas-Paredes ’21 congratulate each other after the classes that I wanted because there were joining the U.S. Space Force.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. so many free and technical electives that I could take,” he stated. “I’ve taken classes in almost every department Away from academics, Ferrari has been heavily involved with that VMI has because the physics department really allows us to supporting cadets in their spiritual lives. This year, he’s served broaden the scope as we please.” as president of the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and been a Over the course of his cadetship, Ferrari has taken classes in com- cadet chaplain. puter science, psychology, and applied math, among others. While cadet chaplains support their fellow cadets year-round, As a result, Ferrari has found a career path that he might have Ferrari found that his assistance was needed most during otherwise not taken. After completing the Basic School, which all Matriculation Week. newly commissioned Marine Corps officers must attend, he will “It’s a lot of support,” he explained. “People are getting into serve as a cyberspace officer. situations they’ve never been in their whole lives, and they don’t “The Marine Corps sends their cyber officers to the Army’s Cyber necessarily know how to handle that. It just boils down to caring [Basic Officer Leadership Course], so I’ll be with all of the Army guys down in Fort Gordon, Georgia,” he explained. See Commissioning, page 6
Maj. Gen. David J. Furness ’87, Rear Adm. Michael Steffen, and Maj. Gen. John D. Caine ’90 address cadets in Foster Stadium May 15.—VMI Photos by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.
June 2021 5 Commissioning continued from page 5 about people and of me from all empathizing with over Lexington.” their situation.” As he grew up in That people-first Roanoke, Chandler emphasis is some- felt the pull of a thing Ferrari will military career. “I carry with him once wanted to have ex- he begins his mili- periences in life that tary career. you don’t necessarily “Life is about get anyplace else, people, and the most and the military is a important thing in good way to do that. I the Marine Corps is like the water, so the its people,” he stated. Navy seemed like the Like Ferrari, Army best fit for me.” 2nd Lt. Ryan Cahill During his ’21 looked at other cadetship, Chandler schools, but realized sought experiences quickly that VMI was that would help him the best fit for him. develop as a leader. “When I came for He was a member of an overnight, the Second Lt. Vincenzo Ferrari ’21 poses with his family after commissioning into the U.S. Marine Corps.—VMI cadre for three years, Photo by Mary Price. cadets were person- and he held positions able,” he said. “You of increasing respon- could talk to them. The people here actually cared.” sibility in Company E, culminating this year as executive officer. He Coming from a family with a long tradition of military service, followed the same path in Naval ROTC, where he served this year as including his father’s time in the Army, Cahill also knew right away battalion executive officer. that he wanted a military career. During his cadetship, he’s partic- Thanks to these experiences, Chandler has picked up a life lesson. ipated in Ranger Challenge, and this year, he’s been the command “If something doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you,” he stat- sergeant major for Army ROTC. ed. “There’s a lot of pressure on you to perform [at VMI]. If you can “I worked with the cadet battalion commanders, just to make sure rise to those expectations, it changes you.” we’re fulfilling the commander’s intent, like what Col. Brannon Chandler will serve as a surface warfare officer on the USS Nitze, wants us to do for PT, for control time,” Cahill explained. an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer based out of Norfolk, Virginia. Cahill has also held rank within the Corps, serving as 1st platoon guide sergeant for Company F his 2nd Class year and as 1st platoon leader this year. A computer science major, Cahill will commission into the infantry. He’s looking forward to spending time in the field guiding soldiers. “To be honest, I don’t want to sit behind a desk,” he stated. “The major I chose is a lot of sitting around at a computer, but I’m a very hands-on type person.” As he enters the service, Cahill is looking forward to giving back by mentoring others, just as he was mentored at VMI. “I’m looking forward to being able to lead soldiers and have an influence on their life goals, being able to guide them toward whatever path they want to go down,” he stated. “Even if it’s only one or two people that I can have an impact on, I would be happy with that.” Unlike most of his brother rats, Navy Ensign Dane Chandler ’21 came to post as a toddler. “I was 2 when my mom was in law school [at Washington and Lee University], so she’d take me to the parades and stuff Ensign Dane Chandler ’21 signs his paperwork to commission into the U.S. Navy.—VMI like that,” said Chandler, a biology major. “There are pictures Photo by Mary Price.
6 VMI Institute Report Army Jacket Goes to Third Generation
In many families, it’s not unusual for jewelry or a wedding dress to middle school and will report to Ft. Rucker, Alabama, for flight training be handed down from one generation to the next. But an Army dress in July. For Lance, it’ll be the next step after a cadetship in which he blue uniform that’s on its third generation of Army aviators? It’s an completed a double major in international studies/modern languages incredible story that might not have happened had the coronavirus and cultures (Spanish) and served as a platoon lieutenant with Delta pandemic not intervened—and one that unfolded on post this spring Company his 1st Class year. after Lance von Rinteln ’21 found himself in need of a uniform to wear Getting the family uniform ready for commissioning involved James for his Army ROTC commissioning ceremony May 15. “Jim” Hudson, operations manager at the VMI military store, and the Along with thousands of other cadets nationwide commissioning employees in the VMI tailor shop. With their expert assistance, Lance this spring, von Rinteln ordered his uniform online earlier this year. He was able to get the jacket looking sharp, with only minor alterations did so in January, thinking he had plenty of time, but then in March, he needed. The pants, though, were slightly large on Lance, so he wore a received an email saying that the factory was running well behind due new pair of pants for his commissioning ceremony. to COVID-19. Lance von Rinteln mentioned that staff in the military store and tai- At first, von Rinteln wasn’t sure what to do, but then he remembered lor shop noted the high quality of workmanship on the jacket. At first, a gift his uncle, retired Maj. James “Jim” von Rinteln, had given him they were a bit reluctant to alter the sleeves, for fearing of uncovering this time last year: an Army dress blue uniform. Jim von Rinteln, who faded fabric, but were pleasantly surprised to see that the fabric under- served as an Army aviator during the post-Vietnam era and the first neath hadn’t faded at all. Gulf War, had received the uniform himself as a hand-me-down from “They were really impressed because it’s the company that used to his uncle, retired Col. Robert “Bob” St. Louis, when Jim von Rinteln make VMI’s old uniforms, too,” he stated. “They pressed it for me and graduated from the University of Maryland and commissioned through tailored it. It was really nice of them.” Georgetown University’s ROTC pro- Hudson, who has worked at the mili- gram in 1979. tary store for 15 years, had never seen a St. Louis, the original owner of the jacket that old come through the door. uniform, had purchased the dress “It’s quite a unique item,” he said. “It fits blues upon his graduation from the him very nice.” U.S. Military Academy in 1956. Now The uniform jacket, Jim von Rinteln 86 years old and living in McLean, noted, tells an Army story as well as a Virginia, St. Louis was likewise an family story. Army aviation wasn’t estab- Army aviator who served two tours lished as a separate branch until 1983, so of duty in the Vietnam War. The fam- both he and St. Louis commissioned into ily had hoped he’d be able to travel other branches. to post for Lance’s commissioning “The sleeve colors have been as he did when Lance’s first cousin, changed three times,” Jim von David “Drew” von Rinteln Jr. ’18, Rinteln stated. commissioned into the Navy three St. Louis commissioned as a field ar- years ago, but St. Louis was unable tillery officer, so the jacket originally had to attend the ceremony this time. a scarlet red stripe on the wrist. Jim von Second Lt. Lance von Rinteln ’21 shakes hands with his uncle, And while there are now three retired Maj. Jim von Rinteln, after administering his Army oath Rinteln was an armor officer before avi- generations of St. Louis/von Rinteln May 15 in Marshall Hall.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. ation became a branch halfway through Army aviators who’ve worn the dress his career, so the wrist stripe was cavalry blues, there was a fourth whose service preceded the family uniform: yellow for a time before being changed over to aviation blue. 2nd Lt. Benjamin Brew, half-brother to St. Louis, an Army Air Corps As of early May, Jim von Rinteln was planning a trip from his Marco fighter pilot who was killed in action while fighting the Axis powers in Island, Florida, home to Lexington. At the commissioning ceremony, Europe in World War II. In each case, an older Army officer has influ- he administered the individual oath of office to Lance, just as he had enced a younger family member to aviation. for Drew in 2018, while Lance’s parents looked on. Drew von Rinteln, “It just worked out that this is one of the Class A uniforms that the only non-aviator in this story, who followed his grandfather into [Lance] can wear,” said Jim von Rinteln of passing the uniform down to a Naval career, serves below sea level as a submarine warfare officer. his nephew. He’s currently stationed on the attack submarine USS Charlotte, based In many ways, it’s the culmination of a long mentoring relationship, at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. as Jim von Rinteln, who does not have children, has enjoyed watching “It’s very much an honor,” said Jim von Rinteln of his family’s leg- Lance grow up, and the two have been able to stay in touch over the acy. “It’s very touching. We’re real proud of both Lance and Drew’s years since they live half an hour from one another in Florida. accomplishments, and this year we’re especially proud of Lance as he “Uncle Jim has been a heavy influence on me to pursue aviation,” continues the Army aviation tradition.” said Lance von Rinteln, who’s been planning a military career since — Mary Price
June 2021 7 Graduation continued from page 1 throughout the ceremony, and umbrellas and rain- coats were common sights among families and friends in the stands. Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, noted that 326 of the graduates were members of the Class of 2021 and just under 170 of them commissioned into the armed services May 15. This year’s graduating cadets came from 30 states and two foreign countries, and the three most popular majors were civil engineer- ing (43 cadets), economics and business (38), and inter- national studies (37). Wins used his time at the podium to reflect on the unusual events faced Anna Armfield ’21 returns to her seat after receiving her degree in Foster Stadium May 16.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye. by the Class of 2021, which matriculated just before the solar eclipse Despite this, Wins said, the Class of 2021 succeeded as citizen-soldiers, putting in August 2017 and graduated as the threat not only succeeded in completing their own the safety of your neighbors, family, and of the coronavirus pandemic was receding. cadetships but also in running a profession- friends ahead of your desire to socialize This academic year, cadets were challenged al Rat Line for the Class of 2024. and travel.” by having to attend some classes remotely, “VMI’s history will record the events of Perna, who was Wins’s supervisor when stay socially distanced in nearly all situa- your class as a tremendous success,” said Wins was on his last active-duty assignment tions, and sometimes be confined entirely to Wins. “You did not give up or compromise with the Army, congratulated the graduates post and/or go into isolation or quarantine your honor or integrity. A crisis brought as health conditions dictated. on by COVID-19 stared you down, but you Continued on next page
Dylan Stoltzfus ’21, president of the Class of 2021, introduces Gen. Gen. Gustave “Gus” Perna, chief operating officer for Operation Warp Speed, Gustave “Gus” Perna during the commencement ceremony.—VMI Photo by H. gives the commencement address in Foster Stadium May 16.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. Lockwood McLaughlin.
8 VMI Institute Report Cadets toss their gloves in the air after being dismissed from duty during the commencement ceremony in Foster Stadium May 16.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye. on their achievements and Wins on assum- century American writer Mark Twain: “The whether military or civilian, are not a ing the superintendent’s role, which Wins two most important days in your life are the purpose, he elaborated; rather, they are the did in April after roughly four months as day you were born and the day you figure “how” of a purpose. interim superintendent. out why.” “Your purpose should be your driving Perna then shared three quotes with Finding a purpose—the impact graduates force behind what you do and how you do it,” cadets and discussed the life lessons of will make and their contributions to hu- he stated. each. The first was from the well-known 19th manity—is critical, said Perna. Occupations, The second quote came from retired Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore, author of the book, We Were Soldiers Once… and Young, which details Moore’s experience as a battalion commander during the Vietnam War. Asked how he’d succeeded in a very difficult battle, Moore replied, “I just kept asking myself, ‘What am I doing that I shouldn’t be doing, and what am I not doing that I should?’” The answer to the first question is often that leaders do things that should instead be done by subordinates, Perna noted, and thus they deprive others of the opportunity to learn mission-critical skills. The answer to the second question has to do with priorities. Being busy is a far cry from being productive, so having goals and a purpose is paramount. “You will have more things in life to do than time to do them,” Perna told the cadets. “You will have
Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85 presents Eric Munro ’21 with the First Jackson-Hope Medal for highest attain- ment in scholarship.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. See Graduation, page 10
June 2021 9 Graduation continued from page 9 to prioritize things to make sure you do the most essential things first.” The third quote, from the 19th century Scottish mission- ary Dr. David Livingstone, well known for his exploration of Africa, spoke to the need to establish direction. One day in Africa, Livingstone’s team encountered a river that they could not navigate by boat. After considering the situation, Livingstone’s subordinates presented a recommendation to the doctor, who replied, “I will go in any direction, as long as it is forward.” Perna drew on this lesson himself as he led Operation Warp Speed. “Many thought that it could not be done,” he stated, referring to the effort Leslie Giron-Molina ’21 holds up her degree and Bible after crossing the stage in Foster Stadium May 16.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye. to develop a safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19 in a matter of being given such a high responsibility and move forward, and I will not quit until we months rather than years, as is typical with sympathy at being tasked with something are done.” vaccine development. widely believed to be impossible. That attitude will reap rewards, Perna Perna’s phone calls and emails, he noted, The general’s response was always believes. “My challenge to you is never fall often conveyed both congratulations at the same: “I will do my best. I will always back,” he said. “Challenge yourself per- sonally and professionally to be uncomfortable.” Jordan Chaulklin ’21, peer-elected valedictorian of the Class of 2021, discussed the brother rat spirit that sustained members of the class throughout their cadetships, particularly as the coronavi- rus pandemic dragged on this academic year. “As we go our ways in the next few hours, we must remember that genuine brother rat spirit,” he said. “As we go on into the military, the workforce, graduate schools, and wherever life may take us, we will carry that lov- ing connection.” President of the Class of 2021, Dylan Stoltzfus ’21,
Troy Smith ’21 receives the Second Jackson-Hope Medal from Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85 during the commencement ceremony in Foster Stadium May 16.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. Continued on next page
10 VMI Institute Report introduced Perna, but first had a message Three awards are traditionally given second-highest attainment in scholarship. for his audience and his brother rats. He at VMI’s May commencement exercises. Receiving the Second Jackson-Hope Medal, expressed gratitude to those who brought The First Jackson-Hope Medal for highest accompanied by the Col. Sterling Murray him to where he is today. He also took time attainment in scholarship, accompanied Heflin 1916 Academic Proficiency Award, to highlight some of his special memories of by the Commander Harry Millard Mason was Troy Smith ’21, a computer science each of his four years at VMI. Academic Proficiency Award, went to Eric major and distinguished military gradu- “You were the ones I led with,” Stoltzfus Munro ’21, an electrical and computer ate who served as regimental commander said to his fellow graduates about their engineering major who earned a minor in during the 2020–21 academic year. final year. “We experienced highs and mathematics and was a distinguished Air Smith also received the Society of the lows, the likes of which we’ll remember Force graduate. Cincinnati Medal, which recognizes efficien- for the rest of our lives. But at the end There was a grade point average tie for cy of service and excellence of character. of it all, I’m proud to say, it was us that the Jackson-Hope Medal this year, and just The Society of the Cincinnati Medal is took the challenge… and, against all odds, one credit hour separated the recipient accompanied by the Richard J. Marshall and achieved success.” of the Second Jackson-Hope Medal for Sumter L. Lowry Awards.
Valedictorian Speaks of Love, Brotherhood of VMI
Drawn to a life of public service since childhood, the valedictorian was a really fun experience,” said Chaulklin. “It teaches you a lot about of the Class of 2021, Jordan Chaulklin ’21, knew as the end of his high planning and execution.” school years approached that he wanted to follow his grandfather, Chaulklin also found that serving in company leadership positions Herold R. Hofheimer ’53, to VMI. deepened his friendships. “The company-side stuff was really big “I’ve always had that service-oriented mindset,” said Chaulklin, a for me.” native of Mechanicsville This year, he stepped away from who graduated with an company leadership to focus on another international studies major role: battalion commander for Army and two minors, one in ROTC, which includes more than 800 national security and the cadets. Even leading such a large num- other in economics. ber, Chaulklin wasn’t fazed. Once the Rat Line was “I’m just a people person, so getting over, Chaulklin wasted to work with people was really fun,” no time in looking for he observed. “It was a great leadership opportunities to serve. In experience all around.” February 2018, just a few Near the end of April, Chaulklin found weeks after Breakout, he out that he’d been elected by his broth- began volunteering with er rats as valedictorian. the South River Volunteer “I was definitely not expecting that Fire Department, and he’s whatsoever,” he stated. “It was definitely been there ever since, an honor and a humbling experience.” doing everything from In his remarks to his brother rats fighting fires to responding at graduation, Chaulklin stressed the to medical calls and car bonds that VMI creates. wrecks on Interstate 81. “For a lot of us, this year hit harder “I’ve just found that than the Rat Line,” he stated. “After three helping people in such a long years of waiting for our turn… the diverse amount of situa- drawbacks were more than substantial.” tions is what I really like,” Dealing with uncertainty, being con- Chaulklin explained. Jordan Chaulklin ’21 addresses graduates during the commencement cere- fined to post, and the sense of having mony May 16 in Foster Stadium.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. While he’d originally an incomplete 1st Class year all weighed planned on an active duty heavily on the Class of 2021. Army career or one in law enforcement, Chaulklin found he loved the But in the end, unity and cohesion prevailed. “With depressing times varied work of a firefighter so much that he’s decided to pursue that as and anguish throughout the barracks, love and selflessness emerged, a career while serving in the National Guard. He’s currently interview- bringing our class closer together,” said Chaulklin. “The rough days ing for firefighter positions in the Richmond area. didn’t cease, but neither did the love and brotherhood we came to On post, Chaulklin was a member of cadre for Company F, serving as know. … We were all there for one another.” a corporal his 3rd Class year and a first sergeant his 2nd Class year. “That — Mary Price
June 2021 11 Memorial Parade Honors Fallen Alumni
By Mary Price
As a multitude of families, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the Institute looked on, the Corps of Cadets paid tribute to the almost 600 VMI alumni who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the nation’s wars in a Memorial Parade on Friday, May 14. The ceremony, which was redesigned this year to focus on all alumni who have fallen in war or as a result of war, began at 1 p.m. as a team of four cadets took turns reading the names of those fallen, beginning with the four who died in the Mexican-American War and ending with the 14 whose deaths were due to the global war on terror. Those reading the names were Julius Cadets fire a three-volley salute during the Memorial Parade May 14.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. Chung ’24, Alexander Ezzelle ’24, Jarrod Larosa ’24, and Alexis Motko ’22. Band Company took the lead, with Smith ’21 called for a count of noncombat Reading the names took approximately Company Commander Kevin Rae ’21 calling deaths in service to the nation, and the reply one hour, after which time the Memorial out, “Mexican-American War, report,” and a came back, “Countless others, sir.” Parade stepped off. Once the Corps was 1st Class cadet from that company replying, After the roll call, wreaths were laid, formed on the Parade Ground, the com- “Four died on the field of honor, sir.” This one in front of Virginia Mourning Her Dead mander of each company stepped forward pattern was repeated all the way through and one at each of the barracks arches that for a roll call of deaths from each war, with a the war on terror, with the highest number contain plaques with the names of alumni report given from one company at a time. of deaths, 255, coming in the Civil War. At the end, Company I Commander Harrison Continued on next page
Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse II addresses a group of Air Force and Julius Chung ’24, Alexander Ezzelle ’24, Jarrod Larosa ’24, and Alexis Motko ’22 Army ROTC cadets during a luncheon held in read the names of almost 600 fallen alumni and cadets prior to the Memorial Crozet Hall May 14.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. Parade May 14.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. The Corps of Cadets marches down Letcher Avenue during the Memorial Parade May 14.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.
12 VMI Institute Report Cadets march in the Memorial Parade May 14.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.
who have fallen in battle. Col. Robert “Bob” A special guest at both the change of com- Phillips ’87, Institute chaplain, then offered mand parade and Memorial Parade was re- a prayer, which was followed by a three-vol- tired Lt. Col. Enoch Woodhouse II, one of the ley salute and renditions of Taps and Tuskegee Airmen, a group of predominately Amazing Grace. African-American fighter pilots who fought The Corps then marched south toward in World War II and paved the way for the Moody Hall and turned north on Letcher integration of the armed forces in 1948. Avenue before passing in review before Col. Now 94, Woodhouse was 17 when he William “Bill” Wanovich ’87, who is retiring enlisted in the U.S. Army at his mother’s A wreath sits at the Virginia Mourning Her Dead as commandant as of July 1, and Maj. Gen. statue after the Memorial Parade May 14.—VMI Photo Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent. See Memorial Parade, page 21 by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.
The Corps of Cadets marches down Letcher Avenue during the Memorial Parade May 14.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.
June 2021 13 Last Tour Ended Wanovich Retires After 11 Years at VMI
By Mary Price
As a cadet, Col. Bill Wanovich ’87 wasn’t on the commandant’s radar—and he never marched in an inaugural parade, as the parade he was sched- uled to participate in, the Jan. 20, 1985, inaugu- ration of President Ronald Reagan, was canceled due to extreme cold. But life has a funny way of taking us back to places we’ve been before—and offering second chances as well. Wanovich, who will retire July 1 after seven years as commandant of cadets, has not only overseen the military training and dis- cipline of the entire Corps, but also accompanied the Corps to Washington, D.C., as they marched in the presidential inaugural parade in 2017. It’s a unique memory of a unique day. At the end of April, the lock screen on his computer in the commandant’s office was displaying a photo from that day—endless parallel lines of cadets marching down Pennsylvania Avenue in the evening dusk. “Their performance in the inaugural was wonderful,” he stated. “It really highlighted Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85 congratulates Col. Bill Wanovich ’87 during his retirement parade the discipline and the hard work of the Corps. I April 30.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. thought it was such a wonderful tribute to them and a wonderful tribute to the school that they were able to do that.” “For whatever reason there, I came across three cadets standing A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wanovich had never heard there in gray blouse and all that, and that was it,” he recalled. “I of VMI until he attended a college fair one day—and just happened came home that night and told my Dad that was where I wanted to go to talk to a handful of cadets who were representing the school. to school.” During his cadetship, Wanovich majored in economics and business and held rank in the Corps. He was also the class treasurer on the Ring Figure Committee and a member of the Cadet Investment Group. Upon gradua- tion, he commissioned as an infantry officer in the Army, but he didn’t plan a long mili- tary career. “I didn’t plan to be a career officer,” he explained. He’d planned to stay in for three years—and wound up staying for 27 instead. “I loved the responsibility,” Wanovich stat- ed. “Every day was a little different. I loved the troopers and the soldiers.” Over the course of his Army career, Wanovich deployed to Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1991 and the next year served as a battalion supply and logistics officer in Homestead, Florida, providing humanitarian assistance as part of Operation Hurricane Andrew. He served in a number of leadership
Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85 and Col. Bill Wanovich ’87 take review of the Corps of Cadets during a pa- rade in Wanovich’s honor April 30.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. Continued on next page
14 VMI Institute Report and staff positions and in a security assis- tours for cadets and walk tance role for Egypt, Africa, and Iraq. them himself. The team He served as both the secretary of came through with a 28-13 the Coalition Joint Staff and later as the victory, and Pancake, ac- special troops battalion commander in companied by his dog, held Headquarters, XVIII Airborne Corps and up his end of the bargain Fort Bragg, deploying to Iraq for 12 and 15 the following Saturday. months. This included command of Task An alumnus friend Force Dragon, which provided security, of Wanovich’s, Bolling support, and services to more than 4,100 Williamson ’60, had filled members of the Multi-National Force and the commandant in on this Multi-National Corps in Iraq staffs. bit of VMI history. He then attended the U.S. Army War Not one to let a good College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, before idea slip by, as the final coming to VMI in the summer of 2010 as game of the season against head of Army ROTC, a position he held un- archrival the Citadel til retiring from the Army and becoming approached in mid-April, commandant in the summer of 2014. Wanovich shared his plan As expected, Wanovich treasures the with members of the foot- memories of the special occasions—he ball team: “If you guys win was there when cadets marched in both a this Saturday, I’ll let the presidential and gubernatorial inaugural Corps off restrictions next parade, and he made the trip when the VMI Wednesday… and I’ll march Band participated in the 2016 Tournament their [penalty tours].” of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. When the roll was called He also fondly remembers the October for penalty tours that day in 2019 when the Keydet football team Wednesday, Wanovich brought the Silver Shako trophy back to answered for every name VMI after beating the Citadel in Charleston. that was called—and then “The Corps looked, acted, and performed got down to business. well… and we won the day,” he said. “I marched the full first Col. Bill Wanovich ’87 does a penalty tour on the Parade Ground But it’s the quieter, day-to-day satisfac- after VMI football beat the Citadel for the Southern Conference tour,” he related. “The tions that have mattered most. Championship.—VMI Photo by Eric Moore. second one, instead of “I’ve really enjoyed working with the just marching in a circle, cadets,” said Wanovich. “I’ve enjoyed the professionalism I see in I marched down to see the team, which was practicing. I marched them. I feel like I’ve seen continued improvement and continued around the field and then came back up.” progress in cadets over the years, which is good.” Very soon, marching will be a part of Wanovich’s past—unless This spring, as the football team rolled to its first winning season he chooses to march around the golf course. He and his wife, Tina, since 1981, Wanovich decided to emulate a former commandant, Col. are retiring to Hilton Head, South Carolina, where they’ve been Frank R. Pancake ’38, and give cadets a break as part of an Institute- vacationing for almost 20 years. Tina Wanovich, a special education wide celebration. teacher at Rockbridge County High School, will retire herself this In November 1953, Pancake had told the Corps that if the football spring after a 35-year career in education. team beat Virginia Tech in the traditional Thanksgiving Day game The Wanoviches are also looking forward to spending more time held at Victory Stadium in Roanoke, he would cancel all penalty with family, including their four children and two grandchildren.
Visiting Scholars
By Mary Price
A number of visiting scholars and and Political Science. Claudia Smigrod, Chair for Asian Studies will be Dr. Glenn chairs have been announced, some for Department of English, Rhetoric, and Shive, Department of International the fall 2021 semester and some for Humanistic Studies, will hold the Edwin Studies and Political Science. Col. James the 2021–22 academic year. Holding P. Conquest ’14 Chair. Col. Dean Kershaw, E. Turner ’65, Department of Biology, the Economics-Mary Moody Northen Department of Civil and Environmental will hold the Thomas Bahnson and Anne Chair will be Col. Robert “Bob” James Engineering, will hold the Wachtmeister Bassett Stanley Professorship in Ethics Jr., Department of International Studies Chair. Holding the Eugenio Lopez Visiting and Integrity.
June 2021 15 Virtual URS Highlights Numerous Projects
By Mary Price
Held virtually on Monday, April Bridget Hughes ’22 pre- 26, the annual Undergraduate sented her work, “The Blood Research Symposium showcased the of Patriots and Tyrants: work of just under 50 cadets, plus a Examining the Justifications small handful of students from other of the American Revolution,” colleges and universities in the area. which she completed with Ongoing at VMI since 2001, the the help of Col. Ryan Holston, symposium is designed to encourage professor of international and recognize outstanding research studies and political science. by undergraduates in all academ- The work is the beginning of ic disciplines. her Institute Honors thesis. English major Joseph Murray Hughes, who is majoring in ’21 presented his honors thesis, international studies, began “The Unity of the Virtues: The Role by explaining just war theory, of Virtue Prioritization in Moral which gives guidance as to Reasoning,” which he completed when armed conflict is morally with the guidance of Dr. Reshef justified and when it is not. Agam-Segal, associate professor Thaddeus Wegrzyn ’22 discusses his findings on preventing falls among the “In order to have a just war, elderly during the Undergraduate Research Symposium April 26.—VMI Photo of philosophy. by Mary Price. three criteria must be fully Murray began his presentation satisfied,” Hughes explained. by explaining that his work is in the “There must be a just cause; field of virtue ethics, which traces its roots back through Christian there must be right intention and not something self-serving; and moral theology as put forth by St. Thomas Aquinas, a medieval the war must be declared by a legitimate authority.” Catholic theologian, to the works of Aristotle and Plato. By most interpretations, especially those of the time, the The two fundamental doctrines of virtue ethics are that virtues American Revolution fulfills the first two criteria. adhere to a hierarchy and are thus ranked in importance and that “The rights of the colonists as Englishmen had been violated,” virtues are unified—that together, they comprise a coherent whole. said Hughes. Problems show up, though, when one considers the But there are situations in which one virtue might seem to be in third criterion. conflict with another. “However, I argue that the American colonists failed to establish a “Under the doctrine of hierarchy, Aristotle places prudence at legitimate authority,” she stated. “I believe they also used a misinter- the top of the pyramid,” said Murray. “But why should there be any pretation of Romans 13 to set up the colonial legislators as a proper hierarchy at all? Can we really agree that prudence is more import- authority on religious grounds.” ant than justice?” This chapter of the Bible, she noted, says that Christians should Furthermore, the ideas of unity and hierarchy could be seen as respect the authority of government. opposed to one another. Colonial pamphleteers got around this by saying that a govern- “However, as I will show, these two doctrines may seem to the ment not working for the good of the people is illegitimate; however, modern mind to be difficult to reconcile—and perhaps even mutual- Hughes argues, the theologian Martin Luther believed that the ly exclusive,” said Murray. authority to punish bad leaders resides with God, not man. The difference, “The American Revolution comes he explained, close to the standard of a just war… has to do with however, I contend that the colonists did how ancient and not have legitimate authority to take up medieval people arms,” Hughes concluded. thought versus Thaddeus Wegrzyn ’22 had original- how modern ly planned a Summer Undergraduate people think. The Research Institute project involving hu- former group man subjects, but COVID-19 altered his emphasized the plans. Instead, he did a literature review character of to produce his paper, “An Evaluation an individual, of the Factors that Contribute to Gait whereas the latter Instability during Asymmetrical stress the actions Bridget Hughes ’22 presents her research on justifications for the American Revolution of a person. during the Undergraduate Research Symposium April 26.—VMI Photo by Mary Price. Continued on next page
16 VMI Institute Report Loaded Ambulation,” with Col. Michael Krackow, professor of physi- running through the buttocks, is a main cause. Individuals who cal education, as his mentor. have weakness in this muscle exhibit the Trendelenburg sign and Wegrzyn explained that he’d hoped to study how asymmetrical exhibit a waddling gait. loading, or carrying an unbalanced load, increases gait instability “Over time, this could lead to pain in the lumbar spine and and thus the risk of falling in elderly individuals. hip area,” said Wegrzyn. Carrying an unbalanced load, of “Falls are actually the most common cause of injury in the elder- course, makes those issues worse. “Carrying asymmetrical ly,” he said, adding that one third of individuals over the age of 65 loads results in body compensations that may lead to injury,” fall each year, and half of those fall more than once. Wegrzyn commented. Both extrinsic factors such as snow and ice and intrinsic factors Giving the closing speech at the symposium was Capt. Fredrick such as gait instability can cause a fall. Gait disorders increase with Walker ’15. Walker, who presented at the symposium during his age, Wegrzyn noted, and by the age of 80, approximately 40 to 60 cadetship, urged his listeners to use their research to make a percent of people have a gait disorder. difference in the world. “Scholarly research should be prompted While many factors can cause this, among them joint pain and by a passion for some cause to be furthered as it relates to human obesity, weakness in the gluteus medius, one of the main muscles flourishing,” he stated.
Brother Rat Marks VMI Theatre’s Return
By Mary Price
Mounting a comeback after the coronavi- notes for the play, Bland wrote that the two During the 1930s, the play went on to rus pandemic made the theater go dark in “were serving confinement and looking for success well outside of Lexington, as it was 2020, the VMI Theatre rallied this spring some way to pass the time” when they wrote staged on Broadway more than 570 times to stage Brother Rat, a classic play about Brother Rat as their senior thesis project. between December 1936 and April 1938. In barracks life, April 23–25. In-person atten- This spring’s production marked the fifth 1938, it was made into a movie directed by dance was limited to members of the VMI time Brother Rat has been staged at VMI William Keighley. The movie starred future community, with a virtual option available since 1979. president Ronald Reagan and his soon-to-be for others. “This good-natured vision of cadet life first wife, Jane Wyman. Members of the cast, many of whom were reminds us all that our college years and While cadet theatrical performances 3rd and 4th Class cadets, began rehearsals in the friendships they foster play a decisive have been staged for decades, the VMI March, taking precautions to keep them- role in forming our characters and values,” Theatre as it’s known today has been in selves safe, including limiting the number Bland wrote in the play program. existence since 1970. Prior to the pandem- of people in Gillis Theater at any one time. “Every college student undergoes this ic, Bland, who’s been involved with the During the performances, cast members maturation, but at VMI the ties formed theater since 1978, had been planning a 50th wore clear masks so audience members through the ‘brother rat’ system take on anniversary celebration involving VMI could see their faces. almost mystical significance. Nowhere else Theatre alumni from many decades. It’s a Adapted and directed by longtime VMI do the joys shared, the anguish suffered, dream and a plan that Bland is determined Theatre director Joellen K. Bland, Brother the obstacles overcome, the loyalty felt by to keep alive. Rat was the creation of John Monks Jr. ’32 cadets find fuller expression than in this “We still hope to safely celebrate, but it and Fred Finklehoffe ’32. In her director’s unique play.” may be our 52nd or 53rd,” she said recently.
Cadets Alexander Salisbury ’24, Major Fick ’23, Ethan Severns ’21, and Matthew Frazier ’23 rehearse for an upcoming production of Brother Rat in Gillis Joellen Bland congratulates the cast of Brother Rat after their performance April 24 in Gillis Theater.—VMI Theater in March.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin. Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.
June 2021 17 BOV Takes Action on Recommendations
By Col. Bill Wyatt
In its first two-day, in-person meeting since the pandemic began, the VMI Board of Visitors took action on a number of important items, including setting tuition and fees for the 2021–22 academic year, electing new officers, and contextualizing a number of fea- tures on post. The Board of Visitors considered three proposals for 2021–22 tui- tion and fees, including a 3% increase, 2.3% increase, and 0% increase. Based on the need to cover increased costs in the coming fiscal year including VMI’s share (60%) of a state-initiated 5% salary increase for all employees, the Board of Visitors voted to increase tuition and fees by 2.3%. This amounts to a $762 increase for in-state cadets and a $1,408 increase for out-of-state cadets. The Board of Visitors also took action on a number of recom- mendations from the Commemorations and Memorials Naming and Review Committee. The committee, which is made up of board members, cadets, alumni, faculty, and historians, has been working Bill Boland ’73, president of the VMI Board of Visitors, leads the May 1 meeting for several months to ensure that the VMI post presents an inspir- in Marshall Hall.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye. ing and inclusive landscape for all members of the VMI community and the post’s memorials properly reflect VMI’s core values. Among » The Board of Visitors voted to expand the symbolism of the sculp- the actions approved by the Board of Visitors: ture Virginia Mourning Her Dead to honor all former cadets who have died in wars and military conflicts since 1839. » The Board of Visitors voted to remove the embossed name of » The Board of Visitors voted to remove the attribution to Stonewall Stonewall Jackson from the front of Old Barracks and has direct- Jackson of the quote, “You may be whatever you resolve to ed the Commemorations and Memorials Naming and Review be,” from the second stoop of Old Barracks. The board further Committee to determine whether it would be appropriate to pro- instructed VMI to install a plaque inside the arch that attributes vide a formal new name for the archway and, if so, what that name the quote to William Alcott and the Rev. Joel Hawes, who included might be, at the next meeting of the Board of Visitors scheduled the quotation in publications in 1834 and 1851, respectively. The for September 2021. plaque will also include a statement that former VMI professor » The Board of Visitors voted that the name Jackson be removed Thomas J. Jackson included the quote in his book of maxims. from Memorial Hall and directed the Commemorations and Memorials Naming and Review Committee to determine an Additionally, the Board of Visitors selected a new slate of offi- appropriate new name of the building at the next meeting of the cers. Tom Watjen ’76 was elected to serve as board president. David Board of Visitors scheduled for September 2021. Miller ’70, Gene Scott ’80, and Lara Tyler Chambers ’03 were elected » The Board of Visitors voted to preserve the Clinedinst mural cur- to serve as board vice-presidents. Lt. Gen. Charles Dominy was elect- rently located in Memorial Hall for public display. Additionally, ed to serve as the non-alumni member of the Executive Committee. the board directed the VMI Museum to develop a system to pro- The board members’ new positions are effective beginning on vide visitors with appropriate context for the mural. July 1, 2021.
24-Hour Run for Operation Enduring Warrior Starting on the morning of May 12, Will Duffy ’22 set out with an audacious goal: to run around the Parade Ground for 24 hours straight as a fundraiser in support of Operation Enduring Warrior, a nonprofit dedicated to helping wounded military and law enforcement veterans. The next morning, he completed that goal, logging 124 laps and more than 75 miles, while raising more than $6,500 in the process. Duffy, a native of Portland, Oregon, has been running for most of his life, but before this year, he’d never tackled a run as arduous as this. “What I will be doing on this run is nothing compared to what veterans have endured,” he stated the week before. “That’s one of the main thoughts that will be in my mind—if I feel I can’t go one more mile, I can go one more mile, be- cause there have been people I’m supporting right now that have been through way worse than me.”—VMI Photo by Eric Moore.
18 VMI Institute Report Sorensen Gift Impacts Post
By Mary Price
A significant gift came from Lt. from the estate of Bettie Gen. S.B. Buckner Sorensen, wife of the late Jr., VMI Class Richard “Dick” Sorensen of 1906. ’44, has brought a donation Dick Sorensen, of art and furniture to 402 a loyal alumnus Parade, the Institute’s VIP and generous quarters that was recently supporter of the renovated by Physical Institute, died Plant, and may enable a Sept. 13, 2010, but renovation of Moody Hall. not before a last The story of the remembrance Sorensens, who made their of VMI. When it home in Hudson, Ohio, is became apparent one common to many of the that Dick would Greatest Generation, with not live much themes of education, char- longer, Bettie acter, community service, Sorensen called Much of the furniture in 402 Parade was donated by the Sorensen estate.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye. and philanthropy. the Alumni The couple met in Japan Association, in the waning days of World War II. Dick Sorensen, who had left requesting a recording of “The VMI Spirit.” The CD arrived in time his studies at VMI to serve his country, was a liaison pilot with the for Dick Sorensen to hear the familiar song several times before he Army Air Corps, and Bettie Mae Tucker, his soon-to-be bride and died, and it was even played at his funeral. the daughter of a North Carolina tobacco farmer, was working with Bettie Sorensen, who died on Christmas Day 2019 at the age of 97, the Red Cross after graduating from the College of William & Mary. was a gregarious hostess, so a renovation of Moody Hall, the home They were married Aug. 6, 1946, in Japan. of the VMI Alumni Association and site of many Institute celebra- Shortly thereafter, the Sorensens moved to Lexington so Dick tions, is a natural consideration for the Sorensen estate. Sorensen could complete his degree in electrical engineering at “It’s the kind of space Bettie Sorensen would have loved,” said VMI. His career took them to South America. They spent many Meade King ’85, chief operating officer of the VMI Foundation. years in Venezuela, where Bettie Sorensen quickly became fluent King noted that Wiley|Wilson, an architectural firm with a long in Spanish. In 1965, they moved into their home at 106 Aurora Street history of work on post, has begun a study of Moody Hall. in Hudson, Ohio, and began filling that historic Federal-style house Furniture from the Sorensen home is already in place at 402 with art and antiques. Parade, and that residence may The couple also loved be occupied by the Institute’s to travel all over the superintendent while the world. Their home was Superintendent’s Quarters is frequently the location renovated. Among the notable of many spirited gather- furnishings from the estate ings, popular among the are numerous pieces in the Hudson residents. The Chippendale, Hepplewhite, and Sorensens were central Queen Anne styles, plus Persian figures in the commu- rugs and many curiosity pieces, nity, and they relished among them a butter mold, a the gatherings and the whale oil lamp, and more. discussions resulting “The impact of this estate gift from bringing the is extraordinary and would have community into their delighted the Sorensens, especial- home frequently. ly Bettie’s grand and gregarious On the wall above her persona,” said King. crystal decanters, Bettie The Sorensen home in Ohio Sorensen hung a framed has been left to Western Reserve recipe for a proper mint The dining table, chairs, and the rug they sit on in 402 Parade were among the many Academy, a co-educational board- julep—a recipe that donations from the Sorensen estate.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye. ing and day school.
June 2021 19 Honors Week Showcases Cadet Research
By Mary Price
Held virtually the week of April 5–9, Honors Week returned to Gothard had first learned about Ebola, a zoonotic virus affecting VMI after a one-year absence due to the coronavirus pandemic, with West Africa, after readingThe Hot Zone, a book about the Ebola vi- presentations by more than 20 cadets participating in the Institute rus. The disease is contagious only when symptoms are present, but Honors Program. As usual, a number of cadets were also inducted it can also be spread after death through unsafe funeral practices, into academic honor societies during Honors Week. such as close contact with a dead body. First discovered in Zaire, International studies major Jose Nunez ’21 presented his senior now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in 1976, the disease kills thesis, “The Demographic Impact of Immigration on U.S. GDP approximately half of those infected. Growth.” Nunez, who was advised by Lt. Col. Patrick Rhamey Jr., as- To model how the Ebola virus spreads, Gothard used differential sociate professor of international studies, argued that immigration equations to create a compartmental model showing groups such as is a net benefit to the United States and thus positively affects gross susceptible, infected, and recovered. domestic product (GDP) because immigrants tend to be younger and “This is useful because it can model infectious diseases to predict the United States, like many other countries around the world, has things like the peak of an outbreak and the end of an outbreak, an aging population. and we can look at the reproductive number and herd immunity,” “There’s plenty of literature that says you can’t maintain an she said. efficient labor market unless you have enough workers between the She then applied two models, with Model #1 focusing on how to ages of 16 and 65, and we already know that aging workforces have shorten the duration of the outbreak by manipulating four contrib- lower labor force participation rates,” Nunez stated. uting factors. In the United “The disease is States, Nunez eradicated faster noted, labor force when the vaccination participation has rate is increased, the dropped 5 percent isolation rate is in- over the past creased, the infection decade, largely rate is decreased, or due to baby boom- the treatment time is ers retiring. decreased,” Gothard Nunez pre- noted. While the sented several most effective factor common argu- in preventing spread ments against of the disease, immigration, isolation in Africa among them a po- typically involves tential loss of jobs hospitalization, and by native-born Walt Kitson ’21 presents his senior thesis on the personal security vulnerabilities of smart home devices a shortage of hospital citizens and less during Honors Week.—VMI Photo by Mary Price. beds can make this investment in option impractical. schools, roads, etc., as governments can’t afford to provide services Gothard’s Model #2, which she considered for its theoretical im- for so many people. plications only, did not include the effects of vaccination or isolation. “Unskilled immigrants, there’s this idea that they are going to Rather, in this model she focused on the reproductive number or lower the wealth of the average citizen,” he stated. “r naught,” which is the number of people each infected individual is However, after studying the data, Nunez has concluded that in the expected to infect. Normally, the reproductive number is predictive long run, immigrants are a force for economic good because without of an outbreak; however, this model also accounted for environmen- them, the share of citizens in the labor force will continue to drop as tal contaminants that when present, decreased the significance of the population ages. In just nine years, he stated, nearly a quarter of the reproductive number. the U.S. population will be over the age of 65. “A major difference between Model #1 and Model #2 is that Model “The hypothesis is that despite the short-term cost of immigra- #1 focused on the controllable effects of hospital isolation and vacci- tion, an increase in unskilled labor within a developed country will nation. Conversely, Model #2 focused on the uncontrollable effect of lead to long-term GDP per capita growth,” said Nunez. environmental contaminants,” Gothard stated. Applied mathematics major Emily Gothard ’21 took an interest Because of its relevance to her research, Gothard created a mathe- that began in high school and developed it into a senior thesis proj- matical model for COVID-19 blending aspects of Model #1 and Model ect, “Modeling the Ebola Virus,” with mentoring assistance from #2. This new model could be used to see the effects of vaccination, Col. Dimplekumar Chalishajar, professor of applied mathematics, and Lt. Col. Geoff Cox, associate professor of applied mathematics. Continued on next page
20 VMI Institute Report environmental contaminants, asymptomatic spread, and limited After his presentation, Pitts was asked what his research re- immunity on the length of the pandemic. vealed about American history beyond baseball. “It really reflects Interestingly, Gothard selected this topic prior to the COVID-19 American society at that point,” he replied. “It really follows the outbreak. She explained, “My proposal was happening just before trends of the Depression and then postwar society as the average COVID. Then I incorporated COVID, since that’s so relevant today, family income is going up. Baseball follows that trend. … The explo- and it can be modeled similarly.” sion of baseball in the 1950s—it didn’t happen by accident.” Darren Pitts ’21 likewise deepened an interest in his honors Electrical and computer engineering major Walt Kitson ’21 thesis, “The Commercialization of Major League Baseball during the used his honors thesis to explore a problem of the modern era: Great Depression and World War II.” Pitts, a history major and avid personal information security. His project, “Exploring Security baseball fan, did his research and writing with the guidance of Col. Vulnerabilities in Commercial Smart Home Devices,” centered Timothy Dowling, professor of history. around the Internet of Things, which includes in-home devices such Pitts began his presentation by explaining that while much has as light bulbs and thermostats that are connected to the Internet. been written about baseball, most of this literature is nostalgic in Such devices are now commonly available both online and in stores. nature rather than a true historical analysis of the sport’s evolution “The average consumer has little to no understanding enabling over time. them to judge a device’s security,” said Kitson, who was advised In the 1920s, Pitts noted, baseball was very heavily dependent by Col. James “Mac” Baker Jr., professor of electrical and comput- upon ticket sales, but once the Depression hit and incomes plummet- er engineering. ed, ticket sales fell by 40 percent. The consequent loss of revenue Kitson began his project by purchasing and researching five dif- threatened the sport’s survival, and teams had to do what they could ferently branded smart light bulbs. He set up his own Wi-Fi network to stay afloat financially. In the case of the Philadelphia Phillies, that to study device communications and reverse engineered the light meant laying off the grounds staff and replacing them with sheep to bulbs to transmit their memories to a Raspberry Pi, which is a low- keep the field mowed. cost, credit card-sized computer. Soon, though, American ingenuity came through, with chang- “Network traffic analysis showed that all of these devices had es such as electric lights so games could be played at night, when communications with the cloud,” said Kitson. In one instance, he working-class fans could attend. At the same time, concession stands was able to find an unencrypted Wi-Fi password stored in plain text. were added because fans and their families were coming to the Another vulnerability was that all the devices used microcontrol- ballpark hungry at the end of the day. lers from the same Chinese company. Broadcasting games via the radio also helped the sport reach a “If someone got physical access to your device, they could flash it wider audience, and selling broadcasting rights brought in even with a malicious firmware enabling them to basically do whatever more revenue. Lastly, franchising players helped Americans con- they want on your device,” Kitson stated. nect with the sport’s stars such as Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, who in Despite this, Kitson recommended that for the average consumer, 1934 became the first player to appear on a Wheaties box. selecting devices with built in authentication protocols and paying “These changes, which included the introduction of radio, night attention to safe disposal practices is likely enough. Because hackers baseball, concessions, and the emphasis on franchised players, all tend to look for the most easily available and profitable information, led baseball to survive the Depression, but they ultimately drove “the risk of smart devices in the home being targeted only goes baseball to dominance in the postwar years,” Pitts concluded. so far.”
Memorial Parade continued from page 13 urging after the Japanese attacked Among his many awards, Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. He in 2007 he and the other went on to serve in the 332nd Tuskegee Airmen received Fighter Group as a paymaster, the Medal of Honor, the also known as a finance officer. nation’s highest honor, After retiring from the U.S. from President George Army Air Force, Woodhouse W. Bush for facing two attended and graduated from Yale wars: one abroad and the University. He then studied law other at home in terms of at Yale Law School and at Boston racial intolerance. University, receiving his J.D. from Between the two parades, the latter. He worked as a trial Woodhouse had lunch with lawyer in his native city of Boston a small group of cadets for more than 40 years, and in the from Air Force ROTC and
State Department and for the City A wreath sits in Marshall Arch after the Memorial Parade May 14.—VMI Photo by H. Army ROTC and offered of Boston as well. Lockwood McLaughlin. brief remarks.
June 2021 21 Ethics Team Takes Top Spot
By Maj. Catherine Roy
On April 24, VMI’s Ethics Team turned in its first-ever win, Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). They recommended Bergdahl defeating three of the five federal military colleges—the U.S. complete all 14 years, less the five years of his captivity and the two Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Military years spent while at trial. They also upheld his original punishment Academy—at the 2021 Military Ethics Case Competition, hosted by of a $10,000 fine, reduction in rank to E-1, and the dishonorable the Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership discharge, plus the completion of the remaining seven years of his at USNA and funded by the Class of 1964. This year’s Keydet team, prison sentence. led by Benjamin Ashmore ’21, cadet in charge, was unable to travel to “The key for our strategy was looking at his decision to desert his the Naval Academy due to COVID-19 precautions and so participated post objectively and drilling down into the pure ethics of the case via Google Meet with a pre-recorded presentation, followed by a itself,” said Ashmore. While the team understood the reasoning for round of live judging. Retired armed forces personnel comprised the judge’s original ruling in the case, they argued that Bergdahl’s the judges’ panel. After each pre-recorded presentation, the judges decision to desert his post was made with a sound state of mind and would confer off camera for about 10 minutes and had 10 minutes to that he deliberately went against his obligations and duty as a U.S. question each team. Each team watched the others present. soldier. The judges felt the VMI team provided the best ethical, legal, and leadership arguments on the case in the initial pre-recorded presentation. The VMI team received perfect scores by two of the judges in each of the rounds of the competition. Recordings of both sessions will be posted by the Stockdale Center at a later date at www.usna.edu/ ethics. Ashmore explained that pre-recording the presentation forced team mem- bers to be much Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85 poses with the Ethics Team after congratulating them on their trophies.—VMI Photo by Mary Price. more concise in presenting their The groups from VMI and the U.S. Military Academy present- arguments. “It took us about two and a half hours to record a 30-min- ed ethical arguments on the same case study: the sentencing of ute presentation,” he said. Beaudry Robert “Bowe” Bergdahl, a U.S. Army soldier who deserted Ashmore has also tried to help out next year’s team by keeping co- his post in June 2009 and was subsequently captured, held, and pious notes as a kind of written record to pass along. “When I came tortured by the Taliban until 2014, when the U.S. arranged for a into the role, I didn’t have any documentation,” he stated. “That’s prisoner exchange. what has been so difficult for a lot of leadership roles for the 1st Class The task was to determine whether or not leniency was appro- cadets. Due to COVID, we didn’t have the benefit of meeting with the priate in the chosen case. The original prosecution had suggest- outgoing leadership for any kind of debriefing, so I wanted to make ed jail time for Bergdahl, but due to his time spent as a POW in sure there was something to hand on to the next group of leaders.” Afghanistan, the judge ruled against it. Bergdahl was dishonorably In addition to Ashmore, the team consisted of Yavor Aleksiev discharged from the U.S. Army in 2017. For its ethical argument, ’22, Harris Burton ’23, Travis Ropella ’23, and Brandon Marks ’23. the VMI team argued against the judges’ decision, concluding that Faculty mentors for the team are Col. Patrick Looney, deputy direc- leniency was not appropriate and that Bergdahl should have served tor, VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics, and Dr. Duncan Richter, prison time for his violations of Articles 85 and 99 of the Uniform Charles S. Luck III ’55 Institute Professor, philosophy.
22 VMI Institute Report Change of Command Troy Smith ’21 cere- monially hands over leadership of the Corps of Cadets to Kasey Meredith ’22 during the change of com- mand and graduation parade on the morning of May 14. Meredith, from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, is the first female regimental com- mander in VMI history and plans to commission into the Marine Corps. All members of the Class of 2021 were celebrated for their leadership during a very unique academic year.—VMI Photos by Kelly Nye.
June 2021 23 Virginia Military Institute Communications & Marketing Office Lexington, VA 24450-0304 Nonprofit Org US Postage PAID Waynesboro, VA Permit 129
Love continued from page 1 recommend her for this position, where her responsibilities often focused on and we are excited to see what student life, campus morale, compliance, she accomplishes.” suicide prevention, and the implementa- Through the development of tion of multicultural and social justice pro- programs and initiatives, Love is grams. Most recently, she has served as a tasked with a mission focused on keynote speaker for national and regional guiding the strategic direction of the conferences addressing diversity, equality, Institute’s diversity, equality, and and inclusion in education. inclusion initiatives. Her office will “I desire to guide students to be princi- be located in Smith Hall, and she will pled individuals and responsible citizens report to Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins as it pertains to their development and ’85, superintendent. understanding of equality, equity, and “Her experience and education inclusion,” said Love. will bring a wealth of good ideas and On a more personal note, Love discussed meaningful change to VMI,” said her interests and the big move to Virginia. Wins. “I look forward to working “I enjoy driving, so I’m looking forward to closely with Dr. Love to bring new the 10-hour road trip from Massachusetts opportunities to the Corps of Cadets to Virginia. I’m usually at the gym five to and the entire VMI community to six days a week, my home away from home. connect and grow.” Other fun facts include that I’m vegan, Love earned both her doctoral Dr. Jamica N. Love fascinated by the tiny home movement, and degree in higher education adminis- enjoy cold-weather activities. However, I tration and her master’s degree in counseling psychology from won’t miss the frequent snowstorms of Massachusetts.” Northeastern University. She earned a bachelor’s degree in She goes on to say, “‘Virginia is for lovers,’ and I’m a Love.” general experimental psychology from Emmanuel College, also She’s also thinking about getting a feline friend in the in Boston. near future. She has held roles at Roxbury Community College, Pine Manor Love will assume this position July 9 and will be appointed a College, and Eastern Nazarene College, among other schools, lieutenant colonel in the Virginia Militia.
Connect with VMI facebook.com/vmi1839 @virginia_military_institute @vmi1839 vminews.tumblr.com Additional photos and videos can be found on Flickr and YouTube.
24 VMI Institute Report June 2021